Bless Up – Mark Bryson, Jamaica 2010-2013

Photos from Mark’s Service

Mark Bryson’s Peace Corps Story

Where and when did you serve? What did you do?

I served in Jamaica from March of 2010 till June of 2013 as a volunteer in the Green Initiative Sector. I was partnered with the Ewarton Community Development Action Committee (ECODAC) in Ewarton , St. Catherine, Jamaica.

What is one of your favorite Peace Corps memories?

The cacophony of noise and excitement that erupted in the audience when I made a impressive football (soccer) play in the last formal game of “Jamaican Football Career.”

Despite annoyingly having to run up to the community center office to print a substitution form mid-game (thus shortening my potential playing time) getting the chance to play my final game at my community center in front of a home crowd was an incomparable memory.

The quick play in which I faked out a defender led to a excellent cross pass in from of the goal to a forward. My pass did not lead to a goal but I’ll never forget the noise when I sent the ball airborne.

What is one of your least favorite Peace Corps memories?

“Smalling up” in Jamaican public transportation on long journeys. As a 6’3″ gentlemen some times this meant single cheek sitting on van seats and occasionally temporary leg numbness as a result body positioning.

What do you miss about Peace Corps?

The deep connection with the greater community as a whole compared to smaller cliques since returning.

What is something you learned in the Peace Corps?

What you get out of a particular endeavor is proportional to the amount of effort and persistence you put into it from its inception. A lot of the dividends paid out during my service by playing the “long game.”

Do you have a favorite quote or local saying?

Raatid, Two good definitions of it. Not quite full curse, but versatile:

* https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=raatid

* http://patwa.org/index.php/patois/exclamation/rhaatid

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